The goal is to place two switches at separate locations which control the exact same device. Both three wire and two wire cable with ground are used.
Handymanwire Wiring A 3 Way Or 4 Way Switch
How to wire in a three way switch. To wire a 3 way light switch youll need 2 3 way light switches 2 2 wire non metallic cables 1 3 wire non metallic cable and 2 6 inch grounding wires. 3 way light switch wiring diagram see below. Two 3 way switches are required in any 3 way application. Neutral wire bypasses first three way switch. In this diagram the incoming hot wire attaches to the first switchs common dark colored terminal. You must completely forget about the notion of a switch being a simple openclosed circuit and look at the diagram of the circuitry of this modern alternative.
3 way switch 2 3 way wire which has black white and red coated wires and of course a copper ground wire electrical boxes of appropriate size to hold 3 way switch and wire. Pick the diagram that is most like the scenario you are in and see if you can wire your switch. Wire cutters and strippers. You will see a black screw and two gold screws on the switch. Two black and one red. A 3 way wall switch controls a common light or set of lights from two separate switch locations.
Take a closer look at a 3 way switch wiring diagram. 3 way switch wire diagram power to light switch. Tipthe traveller wire is connected in the light ceiling boxes with a length of neutral wire taped black to indicate a hot wire. Take your three way switch. This guide highlights the procedures for replacing a broken 3 way electrical switch. The two hot wires of three wire cable connect to a pair of.
The ground wire is pigtailed throughout. Strip all three wires with wire strippers. First run a 2 wire cable from the wall power to the black screw on 1 of the switches. Second switch is an end wired or end of run switch. A three way switch is fundamentally different in its operation from a regular two way switch. You should have three remaining wires in each box.
Before replacing any 3 way switches that are broken turn off the power at the breaker box. This 3 way switch wiring diagram shows how to wire the switches and the light when the power is coming to the light switch. With these diagrams below it will take the guess work out of wiring. Remember the black wire that you wrapped around the traveler wires is the common. This might seem intimidating but it does not have to be. A non contact voltage tester.
Gallery of How To Wire In A Three Way Switch
